Irresistibly Easy Glazed Carrots: Your New Go-To Side Dish
Transform your dinner table with these incredibly simple yet stunning glazed carrots. Cooked to perfection on the stovetop in a luscious sugar and butter glaze, this carrot recipe promises to be a delightful addition to any meal, whether it’s a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner. Get ready for a side dish that truly shines!
Finding the perfect side dish can sometimes feel like a culinary challenge. But with this recipe for easy glazed carrots, you’ll discover a vibrant, flavorful vegetable side that’s an absolute no-brainer. These stovetop glazed carrots are a cherished favorite in our home throughout the year, effortlessly transitioning from a festive holiday spread to a simple, comforting weeknight meal. Their appeal lies in their accessibility – carrots are almost always on hand, making this quick glazed carrots recipe my go-to when inspiration for a side dish is low.
Beyond their delightful taste and beautiful presentation, glazed carrots offer a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The sweet and savory glaze makes them appealing even to picky eaters, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious. This recipe isn’t just about cooking carrots; it’s about elevating a humble root vegetable into a star side dish that complements a wide array of main courses.
The Simplicity and Charm of Glazed Carrots
What makes these glazed carrots truly exceptional is their incredible simplicity. You don’t need exotic ingredients or complicated techniques to achieve a gourmet-tasting side. The magic happens right on your stovetop, transforming ordinary carrots into tender, glistening gems coated in a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet sauce. This easy carrot recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, delivering impressive results with minimal effort.
Carrots themselves are nutritional powerhouses, packed with beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. While the glaze adds a touch of indulgence, it doesn’t detract from the inherent goodness of the vegetable. In fact, a little fat from the butter can actually help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A (from beta-carotene) more effectively. So, you’re not just making a delicious side; you’re making a smart choice for your family’s health.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. While it shines as a standalone side, you can easily customize it to fit your taste or the main course you’re serving. Want a hint of spice? A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the sweetness. Prefer a savory kick? A touch of fresh thyme or rosemary added towards the end of cooking will do wonders. The adaptability of this simple carrot recipe ensures it will never grow old.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Glazed Carrots
The beauty of this sweet carrots side dish lies in its minimal ingredient list. You’ll likely have most of these staples in your pantry already, making this a convenient option for any meal. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the iconic flavor and texture of these butter glaze carrots.
- Carrots: The star of our show! I typically opt for regular, full-sized carrots. While peeling is often a matter of preference and aesthetics, it’s technically not necessary if you give them a thorough scrub. If time is short, simply wash well and slice. For the best flavor and texture, look for firm, bright orange carrots. Avoid any that are limp, cracked, or discolored.
- Chicken Broth: This provides a flavorful liquid for cooking the carrots, infusing them with a savory depth. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season to taste later. If you’re aiming for a vegetarian or vegan version, vegetable broth is an excellent and easy substitute without compromising on moisture or flavor.
- Sugar: The key to that irresistible glaze! Granulated sugar works perfectly to create a shiny, sweet coating that caramelizes beautifully. While I primarily use granulated sugar, experimenting with brown sugar could add a deeper, molasses-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with carrots. Honey or maple syrup are also fantastic natural sweeteners for an alternative twist.
- Salt: A crucial balancing act. A pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and prevents the dish from tasting overly saccharine. It brings out the full spectrum of flavors, creating a more harmonious and delicious experience.
- Butter: The secret to richness and a truly luxurious glaze. Unsalted butter is preferred, as it gives you more control over the final salt content. Not only does butter contribute to the formation of the glistening glaze, but it also imparts a wonderfully rich, creamy flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
Crafting Perfect Stovetop Glazed Carrots: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delicious butter glaze carrots is incredibly straightforward. The entire process takes place on the stovetop, making it a quick and efficient way to prepare a fantastic vegetable side. Here’s how to achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture and luscious glaze:
- Prepare the Carrots: Begin by washing and peeling your carrots (if desired). Then, slice them into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds or on the bias (diagonally). Uniformity in size is key for even cooking.
- Initial Simmer for Tenderness: In a 12-inch skillet, combine the prepared carrots with the chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the salt. Cover the skillet to trap the steam and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the carrots to cook with the lid on for about 5 minutes, or until they are almost fork-tender but still have a slight bite.
- Evaporate the Liquid: Uncover the skillet and continue cooking over medium heat. At this stage, you want to evaporate most of the remaining liquid. This usually takes another 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the carrots don’t dry out completely.
- Form the Glaze: Once most of the liquid has evaporated, add the unsalted butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar to the skillet. Stir continuously as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Continue cooking and stirring for approximately 2 minutes. During this time, the sugar will caramelize slightly, and the butter will emulsify with any remaining liquid, forming a beautiful, shiny glaze that coats each carrot slice.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the glazed carrots and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors!
Pro Tips and Creative Variations for Glazed Carrots
While the basic recipe for these simple carrot glazed carrots is foolproof, a few extra tips and creative variations can elevate your dish even further, making it truly your own.
- Uniform Slicing is Key: Ensure your carrots are cut into pieces of approximately the same thickness, ideally around 1/4 inch. This is crucial for even cooking. Thinner slices might become mushy, while thicker ones may not cook through in time, leading to inconsistent texture. Slicing on the bias (diagonally) not only looks elegant but also increases the surface area for the glaze to adhere.
- Scaling the Recipe: This recipe yields about four side dish servings. It’s incredibly easy to double or even triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. A standard 12-inch skillet should still accommodate a doubled batch without overcrowding, which is important for proper caramelization and glaze formation. For larger quantities, consider using a wider pot or cooking in batches.
- Prep Ahead, Cook Fresh: You can absolutely peel and slice your carrots a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. However, for the best texture and freshest flavor, I recommend cooking the glazed carrots just before serving. They come together so quickly that last-minute preparation is very feasible.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Don’t limit yourself to granulated sugar. Brown sugar will introduce a deeper, more caramel-like note, while honey or maple syrup can offer a richer, more complex sweetness. Adjust quantities slightly as these sweeteners can vary in intensity.
- Herbaceous Additions: Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish beautifully. A sprinkle of fresh thyme, rosemary, or even sage leaves added during the last few minutes of cooking will infuse the carrots with aromatic depth. For a burst of freshness and color, a garnish of chopped fresh parsley after plating is always a good idea.
- Citrus Zest for Brightness: A little lemon or orange zest grated over the finished carrots can add a wonderful bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the glaze.
- A Hint of Spice: For a warming flavor, a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a very subtle dash of cayenne pepper (for a sweet-heat kick) can be incorporated with the sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glazed Carrots
Yes, you can use baby carrots, but it’s advisable to slice them in half or quarters lengthwise, especially if they are thicker. If left whole, they will take significantly longer to cook and may not absorb the glaze as effectively. Slicing ensures even cooking and better flavor distribution.
No, peeling carrots is entirely optional. The skin is perfectly edible and contains beneficial nutrients. If you choose not to peel them, make sure to scrub them very thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Unpeeled carrots add a rustic charm to the dish.
A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for this recipe. My personal favorite is a cast iron skillet because it provides excellent heat distribution and retention, which is great for achieving that perfect glaze. However, any good quality non-stick skillet or a stainless steel pan will work wonderfully. The key is a pan that can hold the carrots in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing the liquid to evaporate efficiently and the glaze to form properly.
Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave them in short bursts. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
While the carrots are best enjoyed fresh, you can make them a few hours in advance and gently reheat just before serving. For holiday prep, you can chop the carrots and measure out the other ingredients ahead of time. This will significantly cut down on the active cooking time on the day of your feast.
Explore More Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
If you loved how effortlessly these glazed carrots came together, you’ll surely enjoy these other simple and delicious vegetable side dishes:
- Sesame Green Beans
- Tomato and Herb Salad
- The BEST Sweet Potato Casserole
- Roasted Asparagus
- Tomato and Basil Bake
- Sweet Potato Hash
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Glazed Carrots
Deborah Harroun
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
4
servings
Side Dish
American
Pin
These Glazed Carrots are a simple side dish that add a bit of wow to your dinner. Cooked on the stovetop in a simple sugar and butter glaze, this carrot recipe will become a go-to!
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots peeled
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons sugar divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces
Instructions
- Slice the carrots into 1/4-inch slices on the bias.1 pound carrots
- In a 12-inch skillet, combine the carrots, chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of the sugar and the salt. Cover the skillet and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook until the carrots are almost tender, about 5 minutes.1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Uncover the skillet and let the carrots cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Continue to cook and stir until the carrots are completely tender and covered in the glaze, about 2 minutes longer. Season with salt, if desired.1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
Nutrition Information
,
Calories: 112kcal (6%)
,
Carbohydrates: 20g (7%)
,
Protein: 2g (4%)
,
Fat: 3g (5%)
,
Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
,
Trans Fat: 0g
,
Cholesterol: 9mg (3%)
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Sodium: 397mg (17%)
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Fiber: 3g (13%)
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Sugar: 15g (17%)
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